Permanent Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Publicity Trần Thanh Lâm and Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) Ngô Phương Lan present the first prize to author Hoàng Hà Lê. — Photos courtesy of VFDA

HÀ NỘI — A documentary about digital transformation in education, Khát vọng vươn xa (Aspiration to Reach Further), won first prize at the 'Talents of Today' short film contest.

The contest was organised by the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) in collaboration with the Centre for Scientific and Cultural Activities of the Temple of Literature – Quốc Tử Giám.

The event was among activities marking the 950th anniversary of Quốc Tử Giám (1076–2026), a special symbol of the Vietnamese tradition of learning, respect for teachers and talent.

Ngô Phương Lan, Chairwoman of the VFDA, said that after more than three months of launching, the Talents of Today short film contest had received more than 200 entries.

The contest reached more than one million people through digital platforms and official channels, including mainstream press. The films received more than 700,000 views and more than 35,000 online votes.

A total of 23 films were selected for the final round, with 13 prizes presented.

Of the 23 films selected for the final round, 17 were documentaries, four were fiction films and two were animated films.

The entries covered a wide range of topics, including education, teachers and students. They also featured portraits of intellectuals and explored history, science, creativity, culture, heritage and traditional arts.

Ngô Phương Lan, Chairwoman of VFDA.

Lan said the contest brought together creators from different generations and backgrounds, ranging from professional film organisations and experienced artists to students, independent filmmaking groups and young people making their first attempts at filmmaking. Documentaries, fiction films and animation offered different perspectives, voices and styles.

Trần Thanh Lâm, Permanent Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Publicity, said the short film contest demonstrated the broad response to Resolution 80 on cultural development. The contest provided a platform for people to express their support for the development of Vietnamese culture in the new era.

He believed that the authors, directors and film enthusiasts participating today would one day be recognised at domestic and international film festivals and other cinema events.

Top prizes

The first prize went to the documentary Khát vọng vươn xa by director Hoàng Hà Lê, with screenplay by Bùi Thị Thoa from the Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio.

The film tells the story of English teacher Trần Thị Thúy from Đức Hợp High School in Hưng Yên. She developed a teaching approach combining subject knowledge, teaching methods and technology.

She also uses online platforms to connect students in rural areas with peers around the world.

Two second prizes went to Chuyện một nữ trí thức Hà Nội (The Story of a Hà Nội Female Intellectual), directed by Đỗ Thị Huyền Trang from the Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio, and the animated film Poocbaga, directed by Trần Xuân Du from the Việt Nam Animation Studio.

Three third prizes were presented to Sắc màu của núi (Colours of the Mountains), directed by Merited Artist Phùng Văn Hà from the Việt Nam Animation Studio, Chạm vào tri thức (Touching Knowledge), by Lan Chi and Thảo Phan, and Buổi lễ trưởng thành của Adei (Adei’s Coming-of-Age Ceremony), by Đàng Vạn Thiên Ân, representing Cham Production.

The organising committee also presented five consolation prizes, one Creative Idea Award and one Most Popular Film Award. — VNS.